Debating the future at ADEPT President’s event in Bovey Castle

Led by President, Heather Barnes, the Strategic Director Place forDevon County Council, ADEPT represents key strategic directors from all tiers of local government.

Members are responsible for ‘Place’ within local government, a broad remit covering some of the most critical areas of local council operations. These include economic development, infrastructure, planning and housing and the environment.

During its 3-day event, the organisation will focus on three pivotal areas for local government – devolution, resilience and communities. Delegates will debate ADEPT’s key priorities, which will shape the Association’s work with Government over the next 12 months.

Policy sessions will discuss the future of funding for highways and critical infrastructure in the light of the Chancellor’s ‘devolution revolution’. These will include industry perspectives from event sponsors Viridor and Ringway.

Other sponsors include WSP, Parsons Brinkerhoff and Tensar.

ADEPT members will examine the changing role of communities, who are taking up new responsibilities to support changes to local authority services.

ADEPT President, Heather Barnes said: “I am tremendously pleased that ADEPT is able to come to my home county of Devon and in particular, the beautiful Bovey Castle.

“It gives us an opportunity to highlight our pioneering work to ADEPT members from across the country. As well as the policy discussions, delegates will be taking part in study tours, visiting the Exeter Fab Lab, Brimpts Farm and Cranbrook.”

Guest Speaker at the President’s Gala Dinner on the 12th May will be Sir Peter Rigby, Chairman and Chief Executive of Rigby Group PLC.

Sir Peter said: “Eden Hotels are delighted to be providing the venue for the ADEPT President’s Meeting. The fact that the President has chosen to support Devon will allow opinion makers from around the country to learn more about the level of excellence that the county can provide.

“We will be able to showcase the best of local produce as well as our newly refurbished facilities. We look forward to welcoming our guests for their key event."